DAY 1 | Sept. 1. Depart for Naples, Italy
DAY 2 | Sept. 2. Vietri Sul Mare
Upon arrival, transfer to Vietri sul Mare and the Hotel Raito. In the evening, attend a welcome reception and dinner.
DAY 3 | Sept. 3. Ravello / Amalfi / Positano
Educational Focus: The Amalfi Inspiration.
Excursion: Ravello and Amalfi. The coastal experience begins with a scenic ride to the charming town of Ravello. Visit the exquisite Villa Rufolo, known for its beautiful gardens and unique architecture, built in the Arabesque style. Continue to Amalfi for a walking tour through the town, admiring its piazza and Duomo di Sant’Andrea.
Excursion: Positano. Board a private boat to Positano, built on the rocky coastline. Considered the most vertical town in Italy, it boasts pastel-colored houses, magnificent terraces and steep hillside gardens.
Independent Exploration: Spend the afternoon visiting Positano at your leisure.
DAY 4 | Sept. 4. Paestum
Excursion: Mozzarella. Visit a local farm where mozzarella cheese is produced from the milk of buffalo indigenous to the area. Indulge in a tasting of this famous cheese. Excursion: Paestum. After being abandoned in the ninth century, this Greco-Roman city was overtaken by forest and forgotten until the 18th century. See a variety of ruins, including three well-preserved Doric temples.
Local Flavor: Lunch is served at a restaurant overlooking the temples.
Educational Focus: Magna Grecia.
Educational Focus: Meet the people. Talk with local residents about life in Italy.
DAY 5 | Sept. 5. Naples
Excursion: Naples. Travel back in time with a visit to the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples. Its collection of artwork and other objects from Herculaneum and Pompeii makes it one of the most important archaeological museums in the world. Then, take a walking tour of the historic center to see the Piazza Plebiscito, Palazzo Reale and San Francesco di Paola.
Local Flavor: Lunch is served at a seafront restaurant in Naples.
DAY 6 | Sept. 6. Herculaneum / Pompeii
Excursion: Herculaneum and Pompeii. The sites of Herculaneum and Pompeii were destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79. On that fateful day, the ancient seaside town of Herculaneum was preserved by mud flows, while Pompeii was covered with ash. Pompeii is known for its museum, and well-preserved frescoes and mosaics. Marvel at the treasures found at both sites.
Local Flavor: Savor lunch at a local restaurant in Pompeii.
DAY 7 | Sept. 7. Sorrento / Capri
Excursion: Sorrento and Capri. Built atop a coastal cliff, Sorrento has been heralded by poets for its beauty. Admire its vibrant gardens, lively main square and winding streets, then board a hydrofoil for Capri, the Isle of Dreams.
Independent Exploration: Take advantage of free time in Sorrento to do some further exploring on your own.
DAY 8 | Sept. 8. Vietri Sul Mare
Independent Exploration: The day is at leisure. In the evening, attend a farewell reception and graduation ceremony followed by a farewell dinner.
DAY 9 | Sept. 9.
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to your gateway city.
Hotel Raito